What is LADA, and how does it differ from type 2 diabetes?
Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults involves a gradual autoimmune loss of insulin-producing cells and may initially be labelled type 2 diabetes. Antibody testing and assessment of insulin production can help clarify the diagnosis. Age or body size alone cannot reliably distinguish the conditions.
Details
When might it be considered?
Deteriorating glucose control despite treatment, unintended weight loss or an autoimmune history may prompt reassessment of diabetes type. These findings are not diagnostic by themselves, and changing readings can have other explanations.
Which tests help?
The clinician may request pancreatic autoantibodies and C-peptide to assess insulin secretion, interpreting results alongside glucose levels and the clinical situation. Not everyone with diabetes needs all these tests.
How can treatment change?
Insulin requirements evolve as production declines; there is no fixed timetable that applies to everyone. Do not stop treatment while awaiting testing. Vomiting, abdominal pain or rapid breathing with high glucose needs urgent assessment for possible ketoacidosis.
Related reading: When is low blood glucose dangerous, and what should I do?.